News & Success Stories

News // October 29, 2013

WALKING IN SUPPORT OF THOSE WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND THEIR CARE

With the support of Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) Director,
Nick Macchione, an HHSA team was formed to raise money for the care
and support of those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers and for
research for a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease. The walk was held on
October 19, 2013 in San Diego at Balboa Park. Sixteen individuals
joined the team and, of those, nine people and one dog spent their
early Saturday morning walking with many others also dedicated to
providing support.

“It means a lot that we are able to participate and provide our
physical and financial support from HHSA for those individuals with
Alzheimer’s and their caregivers,” said Ellen Schmeding, Director of
Aging and Independence Services. "We hope to see a cure within
our lifetimes to end the suffering so many exposed to the disease must endure.”

The HHSA team raised $1,100 in support of the Alzheimer’s Walk in
2013. Their goal is to assemble even more team members next year and
double their support.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia and affects
an estimated 5.2 million Americans. It is the sixth-leading cause of
death. Dementia is caused by the damage or death of neurons in the
brain. Common symptoms of the disease include: memory loss that
disrupts daily life, challenges in planning or solving problems,
difficulty completing familiar tasks, confusion with time or place,
decreased or poor judgment, withdrawal from work or social activities,
and changes in mood and personality. Despite an increase in research
over the past 30 years, the precise changes in the brain that lead to
Alzheimer’s and other dementias are still not known. Although
Alzheimer’s is not a typical part of aging, advancing age is the
greatest risk factor for developing the disease. Other risk factors
include having a first-degree relative with Alzheimer’s (due to
heredity or perhaps shared environmental/lifestyle factors), mild
cognitive impairment, cardiovascular disease, fewer years of
education, social and cognitive inactivity, and traumatic brain injury.

There is currently no pharmacological treatment that slows or stops
the death and malfunction of neurons in the brain. Nevertheless,
active medical management of Alzheimer’s disease including management
of coexisting conditions, coordination of care among physicians,
participation in activities/adult day health program, and utilizing
supportive services can help increase the quality of life for patients
and caregivers.